Bhubaneswar: State govt on Monday decided in principle to establish its first aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bhubaneswar. The facility is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the state’s aviation ecosystem.Currently, airlines operating from Bhubaneswar rely on other airports for aircraft maintenance, leading to operational delays and additional costs. The new MRO facility will be capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A321.According to sources, the facility will utilise a newly constructed hangar spanning 4,670 square metres. Earlier, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) board approved the handover of the hangar for to the state govt. Officials said the govt will pay monthly rent for its use as an MRO unit.“The introduction of direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Dubai and Abu Dhabi was a game-changer for our state’s global connectivity,” said a senior official from the commerce and transport department. According to him, these routes have strengthened diaspora ties and opened new avenues for trade and tourism.The state’s aviation policy has also enhanced domestic connectivity, introducing new routes linking Jharsuguda to Mumbai and Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar to destinations such as Goa, Dehradun, and Port Blair. The UDAN scheme has further improved regional access through operational airstrips at Jeypore, Rourkela, Utkela, and Rangeilunda.Regarding the proposed airport at Puri, officials said a major breakthrough was achieved with the launch of the interactive colour-coded zoning map, a digital tool that streamlines height clearance processing and promotes sustainable urban development around the upcoming airport. Officials also stated that the state govt is developing a comprehensive drone policy and expediting land allotment for airport infrastructure.
